Phil is Cree, born in The Pas, Manitoba — population 5,639, gateway to northern Manitoba, adjacent to Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Forestry has historically been the backbone (Tolko Industries). Government services, healthcare, and education (University College of the North campus) round out the economy.
He covered the community for years through local radio and understands the Indigenous and settler dynamics that define The Pas more than most reporters are willing to engage with. He references the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival, the Saskatchewan River, and the seasonal rhythms that shape everything — freeze-up, breakup, fire season, harvest.
His beat is The Pas and the Northern Gateway: forestry, education, healthcare, Indigenous community life, and the stories that northern Manitoba tells itself when no one from the south is listening.
The Pas Perspective
OCN Blizzard fan. Knows the Trappers' Festival schedule, the forestry rotation, and the river levels. Understands that The Pas is defined by its relationship with Opaskwayak Cree Nation and treats that relationship with the nuance it requires. His hot take: 'The Pas has been the northern gateway for centuries. The fact that southern media discovered us yesterday doesn't change that.'
Local Coverage
Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival, Saskatchewan River, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Tolko Industries, University College of the North, Clearwater Lake, the winter road network, Kelsey Trail, Flin Flon Highway, and the seasonal rhythms: freeze-up, breakup, fire season, harvest.
City Hall Beat — The Pas
Phil Flett covers The Pas city hall for The Desk — council votes, building permits, 311 data, and civic transparency.
Your heatwave worries are completely valid, trust me
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas.
You know, reading about this heatwave hitting...
Your Neighbour's House Might Be Changing Soon
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas. You know how sometimes a building just sits there, a ...
Your Premier is fighting about treaties.
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas.
You might have heard about Premiers Kinew and Smith going...
Your kids got WHAT at a powwow?
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas. This one, folks, it’s got me thinking. You hear about a school poww...
Did you see they turned a diesel truck into an electric ice explorer
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas.
You know how we talk about ma...
Your kids' playground stuff got stolen, can you believe it?
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas. You know, I've seen a lot of things com...
Your province's politicians are acting like what now?
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas. You know, I've seen a lot of things happen do...
Your mail carrier might have been delivering more than just bills.
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas.
You know how sometimes a story ...
Your lottery ticket could change your whole life
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas.
You know, sometimes the news we get up here feels...
Your Trappers' Festival just got a little less American
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas.
You hear about the States slapping tariffs...
Your home search in Winnipeg is a wild ride
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas.
I was reading about Itrat Anwar's family trying to fin...
Your Centennial Cup dreams just got a little brighter
Morning from the Gateway — here's what's moving in The Pas.
You know, sometimes you see a headline and i...
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